MYRModel Year Report

2008 Volkswagen Passat

▲ Better than typical
2008 Volkswagen Passat
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:04:21.278Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Passat Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 34 complaints 1991: 24 complaints 1992: 39 complaints 1993: 68 complaints 1993 1994: 25 complaints 1995: 93 complaints 1996: 40 complaints 1997: 37 complaints 1998: 331 complaints 1998 1999: 664 complaints 2000: 507 complaints 2001: 430 complaints 2002: 636 complaints 2003: 628 complaints 2003 2004: 279 complaints 2005: 148 complaints 2006: 576 complaints 2007: 262 complaints 2008: 168 complaints 2008 2009: 146 complaints 2010: 163 complaints 2011: 16 complaints 2012: 481 complaints 2013: 747 complaints 2013 2014: 592 complaints 2015: 242 complaints 2016: 106 complaints 2017: 107 complaints 2018: 45 complaints 2018 2019: 12 complaints 2020: 15 complaints 2021: 18 complaints 2022: 11 complaints 2022
2008: 168 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19880
19890
199034
199124
199239
199368
199425
199593
199640
199737
1998331
1999664
2000507
2001430
2002636
2003628
2004279
2005148
2006576
2007262
2008168
2009146
2010163
201116
2012481
2013747
2014592
2015242
2016106
2017107
201845
201912
202015
202118
202211

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 26%

26% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 44 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

My son bought this used car. The STOP ENGINE light came on, got an oil change but the light did not go away. Were told that the oil pressure might be the issue so took it to the mechanic. We were told it was most likely the oil pressure switch.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240830

SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE CAR

NHTSA ODI report, 20171031

ENGINE 26%

26% of complaints: engine — 43 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WE CAME HOME FROM A 30 MILE TRIP AND PARKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY. WENT IN THE HOUSE AND ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER HEARD A BIG POP SOUND. I THINK IS WAS A TIRE EXPLODING AND FOUND THE ENTIRE ENGINE ON FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140507

WHILE PARKED IN THE LOT, THE ENGINE AREA CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THE FRONT HALF OF THE CAR BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20120605

My son bought this used car. The STOP ENGINE light came on, got an oil change but the light did not go away. Were told that the oil pressure might be the issue so took it to the mechanic. We were told it was most likely the oil pressure switch.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240830

AIR BAGS 19%

19% of complaints: air bags — 32 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180503

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

2008 VW PASSAT WAGON. THIS CAR WHILE PARKED, RUNNING AND OCCUPIED, IN A GARAGE HAD A FIRE WHOSE POINT OF ORIGIN WAS THE AREA OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE FIRE INVESTIGATION DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE ACCIDENTAL MECHANICAL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100210

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 10%

10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 17 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20080530 — engine and engine cooling

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 4,079 MY 2008 PASSAT AND 2,500 MY 2009 TIGUAN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.0T FSI ULEV II ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CONTAINING SOFTWARE

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND UPDATE THE ECM SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

Campaign 08V235000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170310 — air bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available.

Campaign 16V078000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180316 — air bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Campaign 18V148000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180626 — fuel system, gasoline

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

Campaign 17V509000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (44 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (43 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (32 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 08V235000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V078000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V148000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 17V509000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1990 ▲ 1997 ▲ 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 1999 ■ 2003

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Volkswagen Passat is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volkswagen Passat?

The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Volkswagen Passat have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.